Slide fastener lock



May 29, 1951 G. suNDBAcK SLIDE FAsTENER Locx 2 Sheets-Sheet v1 Filed March 3l, 1947 ull'a fig 2 i Zmventor @deozz S/zzzzddck B 156m Gttorneg May 29 1951 G. suNDBAcK l 2,555,164

SLIDE FASTENER LOCK Filed March 5l, 194'? 2 SheetsSheet -2 j, 6 Snveutor 50 q @ga/e017 mdack HKM Gttorneg Patented May 29, 1951 nITED STATES PATENT oFFlcE 30 Claims.

This invention relates to automatic lock zippers.- Such zippers have a pair of rows of interlocking elements called chain, and a slider embracing the chain for opening and closing the zipper by movement in opposite directions along the chain. The slider is automatically locked to the chain against undesired opening movement but is freely movable to close the zipper. This is accomplished by an automatic lock or pawl, normally pressed against the chain by a spring and shaped to prevent movement of the slider in the opening direction but to permit dragging or ratcheting of the pawl over the chain when the slider moves in the closing direction. The slider has a small handle or pull tab by Which it is moved in either direction, and the pull tab automatically lifts the pawl out of engagement with the chain whenever the pull is operated to open the zipper.

Such zippers are satisfactory within their inherent limitations but have several disadvantages. They depend upon the force of the spring to effect locking. Therefore if the slider is to be locked securely, a strong spring is required, and this constantly urges the pawl so rmly against the chain that it ratchets roughly over the interlocking elements in closing. This is objectionably noisy, it makes the slider rough to operate, and the pawl wears on the interlocking elements, rapidly destroying its point and thus destroying the locking action. When such a lock is used on colored zippers, the locking` point rapidly destroys the enamel or chemical finish on the chain. On the other hand if it is sought to eliminate these disadvantages by using a light spring, uncertainty and insecurity of locking result, and with some types of interlocking elements, positive locking is impossible.

Another objection to previously known automatic spring lock sliders is that whenever the pawl is holding the zipper locked against a strong opening force, it is difficult or impossible to unlock the slider and open the zipper by pulling the tab. This occurs, for example, in corsets and tightly packed duffel bags. The difficulty is due to two conditions, rst the required unlocking movement of the pawl is the reverse of its locking movement in the same path, and second the force by which an interlocking element bears on the pawl is substantially perpendicular to this path. Therefore when the load is heavy, great friction is created which must be overcome in the unlocking action. If the parts are rough, or if burrs are present, it may be impossible to unlock the slider by any force 2 which the user can apply to the pull tab with his fingers.

It is among the objects of the present invention to provide an improved form of lock slider in which certainty and security of locking are effected and in which ratcheting with its attendant disadvantages is eliminated or greatly reduced; to provide an improved lock slider which is instantly and positively locked upon the least tendency toward undesired opening; to provide an improved lock which can be unlocked readily and by slight force even when securely locked against great opening force, and more specifically to provide a locking member which is moved from locked position to unlocked position by a different movement and along a dierent path than from unlocked position to locked position; and

to provide an improved lock which is normally` A held in neutral position from which it may be moved automatically either to fully unlocked position by the pull tab in opening the Zipper, or to fully locked position by the interlocking elements themselves whenever the zipper tends to open itself.

In the accompanying drawings, which show one form of my invention for illustration;

Fig. 1 is a perspective view of a zipper embodying my invention;

Fig. 2 is a view partly in elevation and partly in section on the plane 2a-'2b of Fig. 1 showing the locking member in its neutral position;

Fig. 3 is a fragmentary View corresponding to Fig. 2 but with the locking member in locked position;

Fig. 4 is la similar view showing the locking member starting to move from locked position toward unlocked position under the action of the pull tab; w A

Fig. 5 shows the locking member moved still farther toward unlocked position and in a position permitting the slider to open the zipper;

Fig. 6 shows the locking member in the fullyA associated parts taken on the line 8--8 of Fig. 3;

Fig. 9 is a section on the line S-Q of Fig. 3; and Fig. 10 shows the locking spring before being assembled inthe slider.

Referring to Fig. 1, the chain of the zipperV has a pair of stringers IU each consisting of a beaded fabric tape I2 to the beaded edge I4 of which is secured a row of interlocking elements I6. A slider I8 for opening and closing the zipper has the usual Y-shaped channel or passage, the end of which is indicated at 20 in Fig. 2, and which surrounds or embraces the chain. The channel is formed by an upper plate 22, a lower,1 plate 24 and a wedge 26. The slider, when moved upward on the chain, that is to the left as seen in Fig. 1, progressively interlocks the two rows of elements to close the zipper, and when moved in the opposite direction can progressively disengage the rows to open the zipper. The slider is moved in either direction along the chain by a pull tab 28, slidably secured to the upper plate by an elongated bail or loop 353 and so arranged that it can pull the slider from either end. As so far described, the construction and operation of the zipper are well known.

In the slider exemplifying my invention, the upper plate is provided with an opening 3| whose sides are perpendicular to the channel and in which a lock 32 is loosely mounted so that its locking end or point 33 may project into the path of the elements through the channel 2). The lock is retained in the slider by the walls of the opening 3|, the bail, and a pair of spring arms 34 and 35 which also control its movement in the operation of the slider. As seen in Figs. 3 and 9, the head 35 of the lock is disposed in a bore 3'I in the bail, which bore also receives the spring arm 34 and permits it to flex. The main body of the lock is wider than the bore, extending in shoulders 38 flush with the sides of the bail (Fig. 9). As seen in Fig. 2, the shoulders are disposed far enough below or inside the lower surface of the bail to provide clearance in unlocking as will be explained.

The spring arm 34 is mounted in a groove 42 (Fig. 3) in the lower face of the bail, preferably so that it is flush with `this surface. In this position it can be deflected only downwardly, but it is constantly urged upwardly by its inherent resilience against the stop formed by the bottom of the groove. Similarly the lower spring arm 35 is mounted in a groove 44 (Fig. 5) in the upper face of the upper plate 22, so as to be ush with its surface, and can be deected only upwardly while being urged by its own resilience downward against the stop formed by the bottom of the groove. Conveniently the two springs can be formed as the two arms of a single spring, normally in the shape of a V, as shown in Fig. 10, so that the two arms are constantly urged apart. When assembled in the slider, they are stopped by the grooves in the extreme position in which they are substantially parallel, as shown in Fig. 2.

AsV seen in Fig. 6, the locking member 32 has an elongated opening 46 through which the spring arms pass. This opening permits the arms to be deflected toward each other, and has opposite end walls 4B and 50, which are shown best in Fig. 6 and are inclined in the same direction to the longitudinal axis of the locking member. This provides bearing points or edges 52 and 54 for the springs (Figs. 6 and 9) which edges are offset laterally on opposite sides of the axis of the lock. To insure that the edges are always offset with respect to a line perpendicular to the chain, in all positions of the lock, the'edge 54 is located on a n or extension 55 proJecting from the back of the lock (Fig. 8). Therefore the springs always exert a counterclockwise movement on the lock, tending to rotate it toward the inclined position shown in Fig. 2, that is toward the neutral position. The lock is stopped in this rotation, and held in neutral position against the turning moment of the-springs by abutments 56 and 58. The abutment 56 is formed by the bottom of the bore 3l (Figs. 2 and 6) and the abutment 58 is formed by the side of the hole 3|. Also the lower spring, bearing against the bearing point or edge 54, pushes the lock downward until the upper bearing edge 52 touches the upper spring 34 which latter is held upward by its inherent resilience against the stop formed by the bottom of the groove. When the two springs are in this position, their forces are balanced, and the spring 35 can not overcome the force of the spring 34 even were it not stopped by its own groove. The spring 34 thus forms a positive stop against the downward movement of the lock. This combination of rotating and sliding forces and stops formed by the bail and the bottoms of the grooves normally holds the lock in the position shown in Fig. 2. The point of the lock 33 projects slightly into the channel and into the path of the interlocking elements.

The locking point 33 contacts a corner or face of an interlocking element I6 whenever the interlocking elements tend to move to the left as seen in Fig. 2, that is whenever the slider tends to open the zipper without control by the pull 28. Slight movement of this character rotates the lock about the pivot formed by the head 3G bearing against the abutment 55 and causes the edges of the shoulders 38 to strike the bail as seen in Fig. 3, deflecting the spring 34 the while by the bearing edge 52 until the lock is stopped by the side of the opening 3| as shown in Fig. 3, which occurs when the lock is perpendicular to the channel and projecting its maximum into the channel. Here the lock is positively stopped by the face of the opening 3l, and pressed against the abutment formed by the under face 60 of the bail. This blocks passage of the elements through the slider and positively locks the slider against any Yundesired opening of the zipper.

On the other hand, with the lock in neutral position, the slider can be moved freely to close the Zipper. The under side of the lock has a cam face 62 (Fig. 3). Whenever the interlocking elements tend to move hto the right as seen in the drawings, that is when the slider tends to move to close the Zipper, each interlocking element strikes the cam face and slides the lock upward against the force of the lower spring 35 (without rotating the lock) until the lock reaches the position shown in Fig. 7. The amount of this sliding movement is very small, and it is permitted by the clearance between the abutment 55 of the bail and the shoulders 33 of the lock, as best seen in Fig. 2. This sliding movement removes the locking point from the channel and permits the interlocking elements to pass through the slider to close the zipper. When such closing movement of the slider stops, the restoring force of the lower spring 35 tends to slide the point into the channel again, until the lock is stopped by the upper spring in the neutral position shown in Fig. 2. Only one spring (35) acts on the lock in this return movement, this being all that is required to provide reliable return to the neutral position. The amount of such sliding movement bng smalhthe spring ,is deflected only slightly,

and thus .it develops only a slight restoiing force. This provides a very light ratcheting action in .closing the zipper, insufiicient to cause rough action or damage any finish von the elements.

Whenever it is desired to open the zipper, the pull tab .2B is pulled to the right as seen in Figs. 4 .and 6 to bear against the body of the lock. If the lock is in neutral position, the pull first rotates it to the righ-t (clockwise) about the pivot point 64 which bears against the abutment 5t, moving the lock from the position of Fig. 2 to the position of Fig. 6 and removing the locking point from the channel, and thereafter sliding the slider along the chain, rThis rotation is against the restoring forces of both springs, which when the pull is released, instantly return the lock to the neutral position of Fig. 2.

If, however, the lock is in locked position, it must rst be removed from the perpendicular position between the chain and the abutment 60 formed by the under side of the bail, as shown in Fig. 3. The point oi the lock is in the space between adjacent elements, and the lock may even be wedged tightly between the chain and the abutment D. To unlock the slider in this position, the pull tab is moved to the right as before. This rotates the lock clockwise about the point where the lock contacts the chain. This is the locking point 33 or some point very close to it. The rotation rst moves the lock to the position shown in Fig. 4, sliding the corners of the shoulders 38 along the abutment til. Very little force is required to eiect this sliding movement, since at the start of the movement the lock is perpendicular to the abutment 60 and hence in the position of rmest contact with the abutment and the chain. Any slight rotation clockwise lengthens the distance along the 1ongitudinal axis of the lock from the Achain to the abutment, and this decreases the frictional contact between the shoulder and the abutment. Thus only a very slight force is required to start the lock, and even less force is required to move it thereafter. When the lock reaches the position of Fig. 4, the point of the shoulder clears the abutment, and the pull moves the lock bodily away from the chain into the position shown in Fig. 5 where the locking point is entirely removed from the passage 2i), clearing the interlocking elements and permitting the slider to open the Zipper. The movement of the lock away from the passage is usually caused by the pull, which is usually in an inclined position corresponding to Fig. 4. In this position it exerts an outward component of force on the spring 35 and hence on the lock, moving the lock positively away from the chain. If, however, as sometimes happens, the pull is actuated in a direction parallel to the chain to open the zipper, the lock nevertheless moves from the position of Fig. 4 to the position of Fig. 5, because in the position of Fig. 4 the upper spring Sli is flexed more than the lower spring 35 and thus exerts a greater force on the lock, which moves it from the position of Fig. 4 to the position of Fig. 5. Moreover, as the slider starts moving in the opening direction under the urge of the pull, the elements press against the sloping face of the lock (opposite the cam face 62) and push the lock out of the channel. This is possible because the shoulders 38 have cleared the abutment eil. If when the lock is in the position of Fig. 5, the pull continues to be urged to the right, this moves the lock to the position 6 of Fig. 6 which is the fully-unlocked position it occupies whenever actuated by the pull, whether from neutral position `or from locked position.

It will be observed that in moving from neu-Y.

tral position (Fig. 2) either to fully locked position (Fig. 3) or to fully unlocked position under the force of the pull 28 (Fig. 5) the lock always rotates in the same sense, that is clockwise. However, in these two movements, it rotates in opposite directions about two pivot points near opposite ends of the lock. That is when moving toward fully locked position the lower end of the lock rotates about the pivot point 63 (Fig.V 3) bearing against the abutment 56 and from right to left. The translation of the locking point, that is the straight line component of this rotating motion, which is perpendicular to the channel, is downward. When movement occurs from neutral position to fully unlocked position (shown in Fig. 6) under the .action of the pull tab, the lock rotates from left to right about the'pivot point Gli bearing against the abutment 58 and the perpendicular component of the motion of the locking point in translation is upward.

While both the rotative movements from neutral to locked and from neutral to unlocked positions are equal, that is in each the lock rotates through the same angle, the amount of linear movement of the locking point into and out of the channel is different in the two cases. While rotating about the lower pivot point 64 which is near the locking point and near the channel, the locking point moves a, relatively short distance, this being proportional to the relatively short `radius of rotation of the locking point. While rotating about the upper pivot point B3, the locking point moves farther in a direction perpendicular to the channel because it rotates about a longer radius. This is important in moving far enough into the channel to form a positive and reliable lock, and yet in moving instantly and easily from neutral position to fully unlocked position under the action of the pull when the Zipper is to be opened.

I claim as my invention:

l. A zipper comprising in combination a pair cf rows of interlocking elements, a slider having a channel embracing the rows and being adapted when moved in one direction to interlock the rows to close the zipper and when moved in the opposite direction to disengage the rows to open the Zipper, a lock in the slider having its axis normally inclined away from a line perpendicular to the channel and having an end. projecting into the channel normally, said lock being rotatable'in one sense about a pivot point on one side of the lockl to remove the end from the channel and being rotatable in the same sense about a second pivot point on the opposite side of the lock to project the end arther into the channel.

2. A zipper comprising in combination a pair of rows of interlocking elements, a slider having a channel embracing the rows and being adapted f when moved in one direction to interlock the rows to close the zipper and when moved in the opposite direction to disengage the rows to open the zipper, a lock in the slider having its axis norm-ally inclined away from a line perpendicular to the channel and having an end normally projecting into the channel a relatively short distance, said lock being rotatable in one sense about a pivot point adjacent the channel .to remove the end from the channel during movement of the locking member through a given angle and being` rotatable in the same sense about a second pivot point remote from the channel to move the end a relatively great distance into the channel during movement of the lock through the same angle.

3. A zipper comprising in combination a pair of rows of interlocking elements, a slider having a passage for the elements and being adapted when moved in one direction to interlock the rows to close the zipper and when moved in the opposite direction to disengage the rows to open the zipper, a lock in the slider having an end normally projecting into the channel, and a pivot point for the lock, the lock being rotatable about the pivot point to withdraw the end from the path of the elements to permit the slider to be moved in the opening direction and the pivot point being slideable away from the passage to permit the lock to move out of the path of the elements in response to movement of the slider in the closing direction.

4. A zipper comprising in combination a pair of rows of interlocking elements, a slider having a passage for the elements and being adapted when moved in one direction to interlock the rows to close the zipper and when moved in the opposite direction to disengage the rows to open the zipper, a lock in the slider having an end normally projecting into the passage, a pivot point for the lock, the lock being rotatable in one sense about the pivot point to withdraw the end fromthe path of the elements to permit the slider to be moved in the opening direction and the pivot point being slidable away from the passage to permit the lock to be moved out of the path of the elements in response to movement of the slider in the closing direction, and restoring means for yieldingly opposing rotation of the lock in said sense about the pivot point and for yieldingly opposing sliding of the lock away from the channel.

5. A zipper comprising in combination a pair of rows of interlocking elements, a slider having a passage for the elements and being adapted when moved in one direction to interlock the rows to close the zipper and when moved in the opposite direction to disengage the rows to open the zipper, a lock in the slider having an end normally projecting into the passage, a pivot for the lock, the lock being rotatable in one sense about the pivot to withdraw the end from the path of the elements to permit the slider to be moved in the opening direction and the pivot being slidable away from the passage to permit the lock to move out of the path of the elements in response to movement of the slider in the closing direction, restoring means for yieldingly opposing rotation of the lock in said sense about the pivot and for sliding the lock toward the passage, and a stop to prevent sliding of the lock toward the passage beyond its normal position.

6. A zipper comprising in combination a pair of rows of interlocking elements, a slider having a channel embracing the rows and adapted when moved in one direction to interlock the rows to close the zipper and when moved in the opposite direction to disengage the rows to open the zipper, a lock having an end normally projecting into the channel, a pair of pivot points on opposite sides of the lock, an abutment on the slider for each pivot point, the lock being adapted to be rotated about one pivot point to remove the end from the channel and being adapted to be rotated about the other point to move the end further into the channel, and means yieldingly holding both pivot points on said abutments, both of said pivot points being adapted to slide along their respective abutments to permit removal of the end from the channel in response to closing movement of the slider.

7. A zipper comprising in combination a pair of rows of interlocking elements, a slider having a channel embracing the rows and adapted when moved in one direction to interlock the rows to close the zipper and when moved in the opposite direction to disengage the rows to open the zipper, a lock having an end normally projecting into the channel, a pair of pivot points on opposite sides of said lock, an abutment on the slider for each pivot point, the lock being adapted to be rotated about one pivot point to remove the end from the channel and being adapted to be rotated about the other pivot point to move the end further into the channel, and means yieldingly holding both pivot points on said abutments,

8. A zipper comprising in combination a pair of rows of interlocking elements, a slider having a channel embracing the rows and adapted when moved in one direction to interlock the rows to close the zipper and when moved in the opposite direction to disengage the rows to open the zipper, a lock having an end normally projecting into the channel, a pair of pivot points on opposite faces of said lock, an abutment on the slider for each pivot point, the lock being adapted to be rotated about one pivot point to remove the end from the channel and being adapted to be rotated about the other pivot point to move the end further into the channel, and means yieldingly holding both pivot points on said abutments, and for yieldingly resisting rotation of the lock about each of said pivot points.

9. A zipper comprising in combination a pair of rows of interlocking elements, a slider having a channel embracing the rows and adapted when moved in one direction to interlock the rows to close the zipper and when moved in the other direction to disengage the rows to open the zipper, a lock having an end adapted to project into the channel and being adapted to be rotated in one direction to a position perpendicular to the channel to remove the end from the channel and to be rotated in the opposite direction to a second position perpendicular to the channel to project the end farther into the channel, an opening through the lock, a pair of spring arms disposed in the opening, said spring arms being normally substantially parallel when in the lock and l constantly urged away from each other, said opening having opposite end walls stopping thev spring arms, said walls being inclined in the same direction to the lock to hold the lock normally in an inclined position between its two perpendicular positions.

10. A zipper comprising in combination a pair of rows of interlocking elements, a slider having a channel embracing the rows and adapted when moved in one direction to interlock the rows to close the zipper and when moved in the opposite direction to disengage the rows to open the zipper, a lock having an end normally projecting into the channel, a pivot point on the lock, an abutment on the slider for the pivot point, the lock being rotatable in one direction on the pivot point to withdraw the end from the channel to permit the slider to be moved in the opening direction, said pivot point being slidable on the abutment away from the channel to permit re-u moval of the end from the channel in response .fie/@fiar of, Siders, ce

closingv directior, restoring means for yieldingly opposingrotation in one direction about the p ivotpoint and for vildirglv opposingl sliding of the pivot in the direction awaywfromhthe clgiannel,v a second. pivot point, an abutment on the slider for the seco'nclpivot point, the lockingwmember being adapted to be rotated in the ODpsite direction about the second pivot point to project theend i't the channel anddineans forA yieldinglyre- 'sistirg rotation in said opposite directionabout the secondVA pivotpint, said means positivelvlimitig' sliding movement of the lock toward the I1. A Zipper comprising in combination a pair of rows of interlcliing elements, a s lidferhaving a channel embracing therows andadaptedwhen iiyv'eol'I in oner `direction to-v interlock the 11OW,S, to c'los'e the zipper and whenrnoved in the opposite directiony to dise'ng'age the rows to open the zipper, a' locl inthe slider having an vend adapted isf; project tito the' channel, the loci; being slidlol'e' toward and away iror'nlthe channel, restorii' means yieldinglv resisting sliding movement tiraitA frfo! the channel, and `means positively lirnfmegA sliding movement toward me channel with the' end' projecting into the channel, the lock also b'eingllrtatable by' the interlocking elements in vent passage of the interlocking elements through the slider.'

A 12; A zipper comprising in cqiiibinationY arair f r'o'ws f interlockingI elements, a slider having cliz'iririel ernbracign the rows and adapted when moved' i one direction to interlock the rowsto close the Zipper' and when moved in the other direction to disengage the rows to open the zipa'loclirithe'sliderh'aving'an end adapted to pi tY into thechannel, the leali being s lidable t'o ard' land away from the" channel, restoring irieaiisv y'i'eldigly resisting sliding movement away" rrin" theN channel, and meansA positively li ting sliding' movement4 toward the Mchannel with' me end projecting' into the Channel, the lik also being' rotatabley inV one direction'bydthe elements in response to opening movement ofthe Siiceriopfjct the end interne' channel bevond ther p'sition'jdeternined bv said limiting means tofprveiit passag'of the interlocking elemnts/ tliiouglffthe slider, the lock also being rotatable i the oppsitedir'ction t'or'emove the end from the channel to permit passageof the interlockigjsiiiienis" through the slider.

13` zippercompr'isingin combination apair' of rows" of iriterlockirii-irn elements, a slider havingl a channel embracing therows and( beinguadapted moved in one direction to inte`1jloclf: the;V rows tdclse thezipper' and when" moved inthe opposite direction to disengage the rows tojwoperr tlief' Zipper,` alock in the sliderwhaving an en d adapted to" project intorno qiiamii, the lookbeg ing'4 slid'ablevtowar'd and'y away frointlie f channel,-

restoring" rmeans" yielding'lyh resisting sliding-i movement avvavfrom the channel,4 means Ipositively"A liint'ig sliding movement towardv the; Ciiii'riei'wit e tli'lock also being rotatable by theinterlocking elnts' `in response 'to opening movement of :theN

thepositionddetermined bv said limiting means irtlieoppo'site directior to remove theend from li the end prf'ijecting into the' channel,'`

El (i the channel to, permit the passage of interlocking elements throughA t l1 e sli der ,A a vpull tab for m oving therslider along the rows and means, on the pull tab operative when the tab is movedin the opening direction to rotate the lock in said opposite direction.

14, A zipper comprising incombinaticma pair ofrows of interlocking elements; a ,s liderhaving achannel embracing the rowsv and adapted when movedjn onedirectonto interlock ,the rows. to close the zipperand when moved in the opposite directionto ,disengagethe rows to open. the zipper; alcol; having ,an end, adapted, to project into the charinel. the lock being slidable toward. and away from the channel; restoringmeans yieldingly resisting sliding movement away` from the channel, means positively limiting sliding movement toward the channel with theendprojecting into the channeLthe member beingr'otatabl'e by the interlocking elements in response to opening movement ottheslider toprojectthe .end into the passage beyond the position determined bysaid limiting means to preventpassage of the interlocking lelements through the slider, said limiting means yieldingly resisting rotation of thelock.

,15. A zipper comprising in combination a pair of rows of interlockingelements, aslider having a1 c hannelembracing the rows and being adapted Whenmoved in one directionto interlock the roi' to close the zipper and whenmoved i'n the the zipper, a lock lin the slider havinglan end altecl to, projectjnto `the channe1,i,thel`cl b eing normally positioned With its axis inclined tomthne channel and being slidable parallel to itself toward; andgawavfrom the channel, means positively limiting sliding movement toward vthe channel with the end projecting into the' channel, the loclc being rotatable in one direction by the interlocking elements in response to opening inpvementof the slider to project' the end flirther into the passage and prevent the interlock` ing elementsv from passing through the slider, saidmeans yieldingly resisting said rotation'of the lock. 1

16. A zipper comprising in combination a pair of rows, of'interlocking elements, a' slider having aA channel embracing'the rows and' adapted iirlienxr moved in one direction to interlock the rows to cl'ose the zipper and' when moved in the' opposite direction ,to;.disengage the rows to open the zip`` Der, alokhaving an endadapted* to projectinto th e channel, the llock ,being rotatable in one dgi' recticnA in response to opening movement of the' slider1 to project the end into the' cha'nnelto pire"- vent passage of interlocking elements' through the slider, restoring means `to rotate the lck'iri the opposite directiom a' stop for limiting rota'l tiorr inthe opposite direction and positioning tlie lockwith the end projecting into the channel; tlielock beir'ig'slidable on the stop" toremove'the end -from the channel' in response to closir'g movement of the slider.

`A17. Aizipper comprising in combination a' of' rows off interlocking' elements, a' slidi" havi a channel embracing the rows and adapted"whv movedin' one direction to interlock the rows t? thfrloclV injone direction, a stop for said lock"V adaptedtojposition the-lock withiitsV end inlthe channel, the lock being adapted to be rotated in l1 the opposite direction by the interlocking elements in response to uncontrolled movement of the slider in the opening direction to project the end further into the channel and prevent passage of the interlocking elements through the slider, the lock being slidable away from the channel to remove the end from the channel in response to closing movement of the slider.

18. A zipper comprising in combination a pair of rows of interlocking elements, a slider having a channel embracing the rows and adapted when moved in one direction to interlock the rows to close the zipper and when moved in the opposite direction to disengage the rows to open the Zipper, a lock in the slider having an opening extending therethrough, opposite end walls for said opening inclined in the same direction to the axis of the lock, a pair of spring arms extending through said opening and constantly urged apart, the end walls stopping the spring arms to urge the lock to rotate in one sense with respect to the spring arms, means on the slider for positively limiting rotation in said sense, and means on the slider for rotating the lock in the opposite sense against the action of the spring arms.

19. A zipper comprising in combination a pair of rows of interlocking elements, a slider having a channel embracing the rows and adapted when moved in one direction to interlock the rows to close the zipper and when moved in the opposite .direction to disengage the rows to open the Zipper, a lock in the slider having an opening extending therethrough, opposite end walls for said opening inclined in the same direction to the axis of the lock, a pair of spring arms extending through the opening, said spring arms being constantly urged apart, the end walls stopping the spring arms to urge the lock to rotate in one sense with respect to the arms, a pair of abutments on the slider positively limiting rotation of the lock in said sense and positioning the end of the lock in the channel, said abutments being displaced along the axis of the lock and on opposite sides thereof, the lock being rotatable about one abutment in the opposite sense to remove the end from the channel and being rotatable about the other abutment in said opposite sense to project the end farther into the channel.

20. A zipper comprising in combination a pair of rows of interlocking elements, a slider having a channel embracing the rows and adapted when moved in one direction to interlock the rows to close the Zipper and when moved in the opposite direction to disengage the rows to open the zipper, a lock in the slider having an opening extending therethrough, opposite end walls for said opening inclined in the same direction to the axis of the lock, a pair of spring arms extending through said opening, said arms being constantly urged apart, the end walls stopping the arms to urge the lock to rotate in one sense with respect to the spring arms, a pair of abutments on the slider for positively limiting rotation in said sense and positioning the end of the lock in the channel, said abutments being spaced along the axis of the lock and on opposite sides thereof, the lock being rotatable about one abutment in the opposite sense by the interlocking elements in response to uncontrolled movement of the slider in the opening direction to project the end further into the channel and prevent the passage of interlocking elements through the slider, and means on the slider for controlling movement in the opening direction, said controlling means being adapted to rotate the lock in said opposite sense about the other abutment to remove the end from the channel and permit the passage of the elements therethrough.

21. A Zipper comprising in combination a pair of rows of interlocking elements, a slider having a passage embracing the rows and adapted when moved in one direction to interlock the rows to close the Zipper and when moved in the opposite direction to disengage the rows to open the Zipper, a lock in the slider, means for normally holding the lock inclined with respect to the rows and projecting into the passage, the lock being adapted to be rotatedV in one sense by the elements in response to opening movement of the slider from said inclined position toward a position perpendicular to the rows and thereby to project further into the passage, and means for rotating the lock in the same sense away from said perpendicular position to permit withdrawal of the lock from the passage.

22. A zipper comprising in combination a pair of rows of interlocking elements, a slider having a passage embracing the rows and adapted when moved in one direction to interlock the rows to close the zipper and when moved in the opposite direction to disengage the rows to open the zipper, a lock in the slider, means for normally holding the lock inclined with respect to the rows and projecting into the passage, the lock being adapted to be rotated in one sense by the elements in response to opening movement of the slider from said inclined position toward a position perpendicular to the rows and thereby to project further into the passage, means for positively stopping the lock substantially in said perpendicular position, and means for rotating the look in the same sense away from said perpendicular position to permit withdrawal of the lock from the passage.

23. A zipper comprising in combination a pair of rows of interlocking elements, a slider having a passage embracing the rows and adapted when moved in one direction to interlock the rows to close the zipper and when moved in the opposite direction to disengage the rows to open the zipper, a lock in the slider, means for normally holding the lock inclined with respect to the rows and projecting into the passage, the lock being adapted to be rotated in one sense by the elements in response to opening movement of the slider from said inclined position toward a position perpendicular to the passage and thereby to project farther into the passage, and means for positively stopping the lock substantially in said perpendicular position, the lock being rotatable in the same sense away from said perpendicular position to permit withdrawal of the lock from the passage.

24. A zipper comprising a pair of rows of interlocking elements, a slider having a passage embracing the rows and adapted when moved in one direction to interlock the rows to close the Zipper and when moved in the opposite direction to disengage the rows to open the zipper, a lock in the slider adapted when projected into the passage to prevent movement of the interlocking elements through the passage in the direction to open the zipper, means for normally holding the lock inclined with respect to the rows, the lock being rotatable in one sense toward a position perpendicular to the rows to project into the passage, and being rotatable in the same sense away from said perpendicular position to remove the lock from the passage.

25. A zipper comprising in combination a pair of rows of interlocking elements, a slider having a passage embracing the rows and adapted when moved in one direction to interlock the rows to close the zipper and when moved in the opposite direction to disengage the rows to open the Zipper, a lock in the slider adapted when projected into the passage to prevent movement of the slider to open the zipper, the lock being rotatable in one sense by the elements in response to opening movement of the slider toward a position perpendicular to the rows and thereby to project into the passage, and means for rotating the lock in the same sense away from the perpendicular position to withdraw the lock from the passage and move the slider in the opening direction.

26. A zipper comprising in combination a pair of rows of interlocking elements, a slider embracing the rows and adapted when moved in one direction to interlock the rows to close the zipper and when moved in the other direction to disengage the rows to open the zipper, a lock in the slider, and means normally holding the lock inclined with respect to the rows, the lock being rotatable in one sense about a point remote from the passage toward a position perpendicular to the passage thereby to project into the passage and being rotatable in the same sense about a point adjacent the passage to permit removal of the lock from the passage.

27. A zipper comprising in combination a pair of rows of interlocking elements, a slider having a passage embracing the rows and adapted when moved in one direction to interlock the rows to close the Zipper and when moved in the opposite direction to disengage the rows to open the Zipper, a lock in the slider, an abutment for one end of the lock, said abutment being spaced from the passage, the lock being longer than the distance from the abutment to the passage, and means normally holding the lock inclined with respect to the rows and with said one end adjacent the abutment, the lock being rotatable in one sense toward a position perpendicular to the passage, the abutment positioning the lock with its other end in said passage when in said perpendicular position, the lock being rotatable in the same sense away from the perpendicular position to remove said one end from the abutment and permit the lock to be withdrawn from the passage.

28. A zipper comprising in combination a pair of rows of interlocking elements, a slider having a passage embracing the rows and being adapted when moved in one direction to interlock the rows to close the zipper and when moved in the opposite direction to disengage the rows to open the zipper, a lock in the slider having its axis normally inclined away from a line perpendicular to the passage and having one end normally projecting into the passage, an abutment for the other end of the lock, the length of the lock being greater than the perpendicular distance from the abutment to the passage, the lock being rotatable by the elements in response to opening movement of the slider to press the second end against the abutment and to project the rst end further into the passage, a pull tab on the slider for moving the slider along i4 the rows, the pull tab being adapted to remove said other end from the abutment to permit said rst end to be withdrawn from the passage.

29. A zipper comprising in combination a pair of rows of interlocking elements, a slider having a channel embracing the rows and adapted when moved in one direction to disengage the rows to open the zipper and when moved in the opposite direction to interlock the rows to close the zipper, an abutment on the slider spaced from the channel, a lock between the abutment and the channel having a pair of ends including a locking end for preventing unintentional opening of the zipper, the lock being longer than the distance from the abutment to the channel and being normally inclined with respect to the rows with the locking end projecting into the passage, the lock being rotatable in one sense by the elements in response to initial opening movement of the slider toward a position perpendicular to the rows, the abutment bearing against the other end of the lock andV causing the lock to project farther into the channel or passage when so rotated, a pull tab for moving the slider in the opening direction, said pull tab :being adapted to rotate in the same sense away from the perpendicular position to remove said other end of the lock from the abutment, and means for removing the locking end from the channel when the other end is free from the abutment.

30. A zipper comprising in combination a pair of rows of interlocking elements, a slider having a passage embracing the rows and adapted when moved in one direction to interlock the rows to close the zipper and when moved in the opposite direction to disengage the rows to open the zipper, an abutment on the slider spaced from the passage, a lock between the abutment and the passage having a locking end for preventing unintentional opening of the zipper, the lock being longer than the distance from the abutment to the passage and being normally inclined with respect to the rows with one end projecting into the passage, the lock being rotatable in one sense by the elements in response to initial opening movement of the slider toward a position perpendicular to the rows, the

Vabutment bearing against the other end and GIDEON SUNDBACK.

REFERENCES CITED The following references are of record in the file of this patent:

UNITED STATES PATENTS Name Date Poux Nov. 26. 1940 Number 

